The season ended despite the return to form of Dirk Nowitzki, who finally delivered the kind of All-Star performance that had eluded him all series. He was aggressive and accurate from the start, finishing with 32 points and 12 rebounds while playing every minute of Monday's Game 5.
Nowitzki's series-long struggles included 37 percent shooting through four games, and it came because some smothering Kings defense forced him into his greatest offensive weakness, passing. He passed first Monday to open up his scoring, and that strategy worked.

"He's got a lot of growth to do," Mavericks coach Don Nelson said. "We love him to death, but he's got another step to go before he's a superstar."

Nowitzki's only real help came from Finley and surprise starter Adrian Griffin. Finley's 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting was the Mavericks' biggest offensive boost, while Griffin, known more for his defensive abilities, chipped in 14 points.